As the government sets out the practices it expects to be aligned with the EU as part of a future SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary) Agreement, the NFU is calling for sufficient transition measures.
The government intends for the deal to take effect in mid-2027, with agreed rules not only impacting produce traded with the EU, but also products for the home market. Negotiations are still underway, and the NFU is engaging with government and the European Commission to ensure that the deal supports a productive and profitable farming sector.
It says that the key to achieving this will be a deal that gives enough time for growers to adapt to new rules.
The NFU is asking for:
- A transitional arrangement for rules on organic practices, plant protection and biocidal products so British farmers don’t face a cliff edge scenario.
- UK industry progress in combatting anti-microbial resistance and precision breeding technology to be safeguarded, supporting the UK’s drive towards sustainable, resilient and innovative food production.
- The government to preserve GB’s ability to continue to develop and potentially deploy a cattle vaccine for bovine TB.
NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: “The main thing we’re hearing from our members is the need for a sufficient transition period. Farming is a long-term business – many farmers are making production decisions now that will impact food sold beyond mid-2027.
“The government has said it is considering transitional arrangements for some sectors. If this Agreement is to work for the British farming sector, it cannot be bound by an impractical deadline which will only increase the cost of producing food, both for the domestic and EU market. We need government to take a pragmatic approach and give farmers the time needed to adjust.”